The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-05-09
DIED GAMBLING,
Exciting Incidents i'll the Career of a
NerVY Gam astnr


From the Cincinnati Enquirer
Word has reached this city that c. L.
Prentice dropped dead few months ago at
a faro table in Il gambling resort at Toledo.
He was young man of good address, and
thus closes the career of one of the best
known gamblers in this country Prentice
was particularly well-known in Cincin-
natl on account of long residence here,
and from Maine to California he
was a familiar character among
Snowman and gamblers. Several years ago
he became infatuated with young woman
who at the time was acting as a model in
studies from life at Matt Morgans art
school in this city. She was beautiful girl
of wonderful form, and it was but short
time until the two became man and wife.
Their experience was most varied, and
throughout she chung to him-his friend
when all others had weakened and had de-
serted him.
PRENTICE WAS A BORN GAMBLER.
He has made some of the most phenome-
nal winnings on record and they have in
Varlably been what is known as scratch"
winnings-that is, big sums won from mere
nothing. His death is a fitting end to an
eventfu life: Born of good parentage, he
first saw the light of day in an Eastern city
Early his family moved to Kansas City,
| and his father arose to prominence in that
place. He was one of the first Mayors the
city had and served for years as the chief
| executive of Kansas City Charley never
| knew nor appeared to realize the value of
money He has made during the past fifteen
years, in his way, fortunes, but they wilted
| away as he often expressed it, like June
frost before September sun. He was a
perfect fiend against gambling, and would
let go his last cent as readily as though he
had a million to back it, 1t was with him
| quail one day and nothing the next. Many
stories are told of
| HIS REMARKABLE WINNINGS.
Probably as good an instance as any is this:
About two years ago Prentice walked into
No. POS Vine street. He soon lost his all,
| which amounted to $500.
Then, Notwithstanding that it was in the
dead of winter he pawned his overcoat for
$40 more. That went with the rest. He
was without hope of raising a cent. Meet
ing friend he walked over to Thilly's sa-
loon, at Longworth and Vine, to take a
drink. His friend knowing his condition,
gave him the change out of a silver dollar,
| after the drinks had been paid for. 1t
amounted to Soc. Before Prentice quit
that succeeding morning the $500 was won
| back, the overcoat was out of soak" and
he had $3.50 in good hard cash in his pocket.
| This is the only one instance Of the many.
| A thousand could be told. From a 10c.
piece in Chicago he pulled out s., 500. In
New York city at one time he
STARTED IN ON sEvENTY-FIvE CENTS,
and quit over $4,000 winner. But it all
went almost as fast as it was won.
He Travelled with some of the best known
circuses in the country. As ticket seller
he was an adept, probably one Of the sleek
est in the business. His chances for making
money were great, and it was poor season
that he did not earn $4,000. At the end OF
the season, however, he was invariably with
out money. Whenever the show stopped al
town where gambling was allowed that
was the last seen of Prentice.
1t was probably three or four days later
when he would turn up, always broke. His
affability and shrewdness saved him, though
and, where others would have been dis
charged, his faults were overlooked. He
scarcely ever failed to lose
WHEN HE HAD MONEY,
And was a sure winner when he had but
little. There probably never was a higher
roller in all wayS-againSt the tiger" over
the saloon bar or against his friends. Hi
only desire, it appeared to have money was
to spend it with his friends or those to whom
he took liking. When he had plenty anC
could gamble, he sought no company, bu1
would spend his hours before the gambling
|
not appear to trouble him in the least. HI
sought his acquaintance. The more thC
merrier, and the world moved faster while
he was in their midst. His was
WONDERFULLY CHECKERED CAREER.
A year or more ago his wife was left il
Columbus while he started out to maxi
some money. He was gone number O
months When he returned to Columbus
he discovered that his wife, who had beer
left without means, had been started up il
elegant quarters by prominent merchan
of that place. His appearance in the Capt
tai City was the signal for the selling out o.
all the furniture, and the couple fled to Chi
cago. Prentice had the money-$l, 500-anC
it lasted but one night. Two days later h'
was in this city broke and a week Later
won out $1,000 in Kansas City.
At one time sporting men in this city
made collection to send him to the Ho
Springs. He remained there few months
Returning by way Of New Orleans, he re
manned there long enough to win, in severa
days, from almost his last dollar, $500
He was of modest disposition, at all time
gentlemanly and of good address. His owl
worst enemy, his death was in keeping witt
| the life hesled